Can you tell me about your therapy background, particularly in traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehab? How did you become interested in TBI rehab?
I joined the Spain Rehab speech department in 2005 as a new speech therapist. I spent many years working with a variety of diagnoses. However, since our facility transitioned to a service line delivery model five years ago, I have primarily worked with the TBI population. I’ve always had an interest in working with the TBI population, because it means entering into the recovery process of individuals after they’ve experienced a catastrophic life event. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, to be present as milestones are met and life starts returning to normal
What does TBI rehab typically involve, particularly in the early stages after injury? Why is therapy such an important part of recovery?
Rehabilitation for TBI involves helping people relearn functions that are impaired from a brain injury. This can include daily activities such as eating, dressing, walking, problem-solving, speaking, and even swallowing. Addressing these needs in the early phases of recovery combines the body’s natural healing abilities with the brain’s relearning processes. Hands-on caregiver training during this time is also a key component. Oftentimes, permanent damage has occurred in the individuals with TBI. In this case, the rehab setting is a time to learn compensation strategies, so that people with TBI can be as independent as possible and more safely return home.
What qualities make Spain Rehab a top provider of TBI rehabilitation?
When I think about my fellow therapists and the medical team who serve this population, two words come to mind: passion and excellence. The comprehensive care patients receive at Spain Rehabilitation Center is from professionals with access to the latest research and time-tested expertise. Also, I know I speak for all of my peers when I say that we work here because we are passionate about providing care and hope to people during a difficult time in their lives.